Greece

Adventure Travel

Day 1 Arrival in Athens

Today we arrive in Athens, off-and-on the capital of Greece in its many incarnations over several thousand years. The city received a major facelift for the 2004 Olympics and is looking better than ever, with buildings and monuments cleaned and renovated, and newly created pedestrian areas near the Ancient Agora and Acropolis. Overnight in Athens. Dinner if required.

Day 2 Athens: City Tour

Today we enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the very heart and soul of Greece. Our first visit takes us to the National Archaeological Museum, an unrivalled treasure house of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and classical Greek art. One of the most interesting sections is the Mycenaen hall with all of Schliemann's gold finds from Mycenae. The museum contains the world's finest collection of antiquities and treasures from all over the ancient Greek world, spanning some 7,000 years. We then proceed to the Acropolis, adorned with magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens. It was during this time, under the leadership of the great statesman, Pericles, that Athens was the most glorious intellectual and artistic centre of the ancient world. The prosperity of Athens and new wealth enabled Pericles to initiate the magnificent building programme on the Athenian Acropolis. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, called the "finest monument of Greek civilization." The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city. The temple had a dual purpose: to serve as a treasury for Athenians, and to house the magnificent ivory and gold cult statue of the goddess made by Pheidias, the same sculptor who was commissioned for the enormous cult statue of Zeus at Olympia. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 3 Athens - Mykonos

This morning we travel by local ferry from Athens' port, Pireaus, to the island of Mykonos.* Our journey takes the better part of the day and is very scenic, stopping at several other islands en route (sadly too briefly to disembark). From the harbour waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, tavernas, or shops selling artisan crafts, jewellery and the latest fashions. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. The sugar cube buildings are stacked around a cluster of seafront fishermen's dwellings. The labyrinth design was intended to confuse the pirates who plagued Mykonos in the eighteenth and 19th centuries. The main town has immaculately whitewashed houses concealing hundreds of little churches, shrines and chapels. * Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Uncontrollable factors such as weather may result in delays; a flexible attitude will enhance the enjoyment of your adventure. PORTERS ARE GENERALLY NOT AVAILABLE ON THE GREEK ISLES, OR ON FERRIES BETWEEN THEM. You MUST be able to carry / wheel your baggage on and off ferries. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 4 Mykonos: Walking Tour & Boat Trip to Delos

This morning your Tour Leader will take you on an orientation walking tour of Mykonos Chora. We wander the pirate-proof streets of town and see the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one. As one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, Mykonos is legendary for its shopping and nightlife. We then meet the boat that will take us to the tiny sacred island of Delos (30 minutes away). Delos gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades--so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around Delos. For nearly 1,000 years this sanctuary was the political and religious centre of the Aegean. Leto, pregnant by Zeus, gave birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis on Delos. In the 18th century BC, the annual Delia Festival was established on the island to celebrate the birth of Apollo. Delos was populated during its height in Hellenistic times with wealthy merchants, mariners and bankers from as far away as Egypt and Syria. We will see the Agora of the Competialists, Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshipped the guardian spirits of crossroads; the Sanctuary of Apollo, the three temples of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. In the House of the Masks we are able to see a mosaic portraying Dionysus riding on a panthers back. The theatre here could seat 5,500 people. We return to Mykonos with the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5 Mykonos: Free Day

There are many beaches on Mykonos and today we can enjoy them to their fullest. You can also head back into town for more independent exploration and / or shopping. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6 Mykonos - Santorini

We take a ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to Santorini. Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is also the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1500 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7 Santorini: Island Tour

Visually, Santorini is the most spectacular of the Cycladic islands. With its brilliant flooded caldera, high cliffs and charming villages, it is the Greek Isle of everyone's dreams. Our coach tour today will take us to Santorini's highlights. Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village. Early in the 19th century the capital of the island was moved from Pyrgos to Fira. After the earthquake of 1956 a part of the town was destroyed (only a small part of the 18th century buildings were saved). Fira is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano. Here the small streets are filled with all kind of shops, cafes, and restaurants. After an orientation walk through the town we will visit the impressive Archaeological Museum. This museum features many pieces and exhibits specific to the Santorini site of Akrotiri (closed for refurbishment), as well as artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization, which can be divided into three periods: Early (3000-2000 BC), Middle (2000-1500 BC), and Late (1500-1100 BC). The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble--the famous Cycladic figurines. Like statuettes of Neolithic times they depicted images of the Great Mother. Other remains include bronze and obsidian tools and weapons, gold jewellery, and stone and clay vases and pots. We will also visit the hilltop village of Pyrgos, once the capital of the island and home to more than 30 churches. The village is composed of traditional houses built around the Venetian Castle and the small streets follow the shape of the hill. Climbing from the square up to the castle of Pyrgos, the stone houses crowd more densely together within the labyrinth of narrow vaulted lanes. Our drive around the island will also take us up to the Prophet Elias Monastery built on the highest point of the island in 1711 AD. Though we will not visit inside the monastery, the view from here is breathtaking. Oia, our last destination, is built along the rim of the caldera wall. We will walk through the village, admire the magnificent panoramic views, and perhaps enjoy lunch or a snack at one of the many local cafes. We then return to Kamari Beach (those who wish to extend their time in Oia can return to Kamari using the public bus system). Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8 Santorini: Free Time / Optional Hike to Oia

Today is free to enjoy Fira or the beach. Alternatively, you can join your Tour Leader on a 3.5 hour hike* to Oia (pronounced "EE-ah") along the vast caldera rim. Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of Oia's dwellings nestle in the niches hewn in the volcanic rock. It was once a major fishing port but is principally known these days as probably the most dramatically situated towns in the whole of Greece. Other possibilities include boat trips to the volcano's centre, shopping, or relaxing on one of Santorini's black sand beaches. Non-hikers can also access Oia using the convenient public bus system. * This is an excellent option for today, but should be undertaken by good walkers only. The path is steep in some spots, with uneven footing and loose pebbles. Heat can also be a consideration, as the route is unshaded in its entirety. You must be fit and sure-footed to safely and comfortably participate in this activity. Your Tour Leader can help determine your suitability. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 9 Santorini - Iraklion, Crete

Today we travel by ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to Crete. Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands, blessed with a magnificent setting of rugged coastal scenery and warm waters. On arrival we will have an easy walking tour of central Iraklion,* including the impressive St Titus Church, Morosini Fountain and other Venetian legacies. The massive walls that surround the town of Iraklion were built by the Venetians in the mid-15th century. *NOTE: Ferry schedules may require that we have our walking tour tomorrow before departing for Chania. Overnight in Iraklion. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 10 Iraklion: Knossos & Archaealogical Museum - Chania

Early this morning (to beat the crowds!) we travel the short distance to Knossos where our local guide will show us the ancient palace of King Minos, first built around 1900 BC. In 1700 BC it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt to a grander and more sophisticated design. The city of Knossos consisted of an immense palace, residences of officials and priests, the homes of ordinary people, and burial grounds. The Palace, which covered an area of 22000 m? (236,682 sq feet), consisted of royal domestic quarters, public reception rooms, shrines, workshops, treasures and storerooms around a central court. Knossos was excavated by Arthur Evans between 1900 and 1930. We also visit the Archaeological Museum in Iraklion, one of the best museums in Greece.* The exhibits, collected from excavations carried out in all parts of Crete, come mainly from the prehistoric era and form a valuable record of the artistic, social and economic life of the island during the ancient period. We then set out by bus along the northern coast of Crete. Our final destination today is Chania, a former capital of the island and the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia. In the 13th century, Venice was becoming the maritime master of the easter Mediterranean. At Chania they built large fortifications against pirates and the Ottoman Turks. Eventually, though, the Ottomans took Chania in the mid-17th century. Today many regard Chania as Crete's most beautiful city. * NOTE: 2007 / 2008 - The museum is currently closed for renovations. For tours that occur during this closure, we will substitute an excursion to Archanes Village which has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. It is a very significant archaeological site since, according to historical findings, King Minos had a summer palace in the area. The natural environment of the village includes mountains, gorges and many cultivated plains. The neoclassical buildings in the area are also very impressive. Overnight in Chania. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 11 Chania: Walking Tour (& Samaria Gorge Option)

We start our day with a short drive out to the nearby Akrotiri Peninsula which rises just north of the bay of Suda, one of the biggest natural harbours in Greece. This peninsula east of Chania was once called Kiamon, and today is associated with the liberation struggles of Crete. While on the peninsula we will visit the monastery of Agia Triada, originally built in the 17th century. Today it is one of the few monasteries in Crete where monastic life is practiced. After our visit we make a short drive to the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the greatest statesmen from Greece's recent history. From here we have a breathtaking view of the town of Chania. We now return back to Chania where we commence with our walking tour. During our walking tour of the old town of Chania, we will pay a visit to the Archaeological and Folklore Museums and explore the wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic quarter. We will discover "lost" Turkish fountains and bathhouses; quaint mediaeval back streets and alleyways; Venetian and Turkish houses; mosques, churches, fortifications, old tradesmen's shops and a host of other gems that are the secrets of this Greek city. The covered food market is outstanding. For anyone interested in a good hike, you can travel to the Samaria Gorge (optional cost, approximately 30 Euros). This is not an easy walk, but a full day's hike through one of Europe's most beautiful gorges. You are dropped off with your guide at Xyloskalo, where you set off walking mostly downhill, arriving five to six hours later at Agia Roumeli, located on a pebble beach on the Libyan Sea on Crete's south coast. From here a boat takes you to the place where your bus meets you to bring you back to Chania. The total walking distance is apprimately 15 km (9.5 mi). This is a full day's outing. Overnight in Chania. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 12 Chania: Free time - Overnight Ferry to Athens

Today is a free day in Chania. You may choose to continue your explorations of this charming town, or rent a car (international driving permit NOT required; bring your home driver's license) and further explore the hinterland of western Crete on your own. As you drive around the island, you can turn off the main road almost anywhere and find people in agricultural villages going about their daily routine. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day. Later this evening we transfer to the port for our overnight ferry to Pireaus, the port of Athens. The ferry is very comfortable with each cabin having two bunk beds and private facilities. Overnight ferry to Athens. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 13 Arrival in Athens

This morning we arrive in Athens. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Athens. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 14 Athens - Mycenae - Nauplia

We board our coach to drive to ancient Corinth for a brief visit. Back in ancient times Corinth was one of the three major powers in Greece, and took part in all the battles against the Persians. It was from one of the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge Agora (market place) and Apollo's Temple (6th c BC). We continue to Mycenae. The citadel occupies the triangular summit of a low hill between two gorges. The Mycenaeans excelled in this style of building using large, unworked stones. These massive fortifications were begun in the 14th century, followed by Tiryns and Dendra, Argos and Athens, as well as a host of subsidiary forts and eventually, a huge wall across the Corinthian isthmus. The famous Lion Gate, and similar constructions at Gla and Tiryns, were built in the 13th century BC. Here we will see vestiges of a kingdom that, for 400 years (1600-1200 BC), was the most powerful in Greece. We enter through the Lion Gate and see the Great Court where Agamemnon is believed to have been murdered in one of the chambers. Later we travel to Epidaurus, a sanctuary of Asklepios, the God of Medicine. The sanctuaries of Asklepios, the healer god, were as much sanatoria, health farms or spas, as places of worship. This was the most prestigious centre of the cult in the Classical period and received a galaxy of splendid buildings spanning the whole of the 4th century BC. Epidauros came into prominence only in the later 5th century, when the cult was received at Athens in 420 BC and the tragedian Sophockles became its priest. There was a revival at the sanctuary in the 2nd century AD, and worship on the site continued in the form of a Christian basilica. We continue toward Nauplia. Overnight near Nauplia. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 15 Nauplia - Mystra - Sparta

This morning we spend a bit of time exploring the charming seaside town of Nauplia before joining we a dramatic winding mountain drive toward Sparta, arriving mid-morning. We will visit the archaeological remains of ancient Sparta, including the 2nd century BC theatre, the site's most discernible ruin. Along the road to Tripolis a path leads to the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Like most of the deities in Greek mythology, the goddess Artemis had many aspects, one of which was Artemis Orthia. In earliest times this aspect of the goddess was honoured through human sacrifice. The Spartans supplanted this activity for the only slightly less gruesome one of flogging young boys in honour of the goddess. We continue to our tour of Mystra, an impregnable fortress built by Guillame de Villehardouin in 1249. When the Byzantines won back the Morea from the Franks, Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus made Mystra its capital and seat of government. It soon became populated by people from the surrounding plains seeking refuge from invading Slavs. During the rule of the despots, while the empire plummeted into decline elsewhere, Mystra experienced a renaissance, but then declined under Turkish rule. It was captured by the Venetians in 1687 and it thrived once again with a flourishing silk industry and a population of 40,000. It was recaptured by the Turks in 1715, and from then on it was downhill all the way. It was burned by the Russians in 1770, the Albanians in 1780 and Ibrahim Pasha in 1825. Not surprisingly, at the time of Independence it was in a very sorry state, virtually abandoned and in ruins, though since the 1950s much restoration work has taken place. Overnight in Sparta. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 16 Sparta - Olympia

Driving from Sparta to Olympia, we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch we will have a tour of the site of ancient Olympia and the excellent on-site museum.This was a place in ancient Greece where rival states shed their protective armour and congregated in peace to enjoy the ancient games and make offerings to the Gods. The temple of Zeus once dominated the entire complex and housed the 13 m (43 foot) statue of Zeus, considered by the Greeks to be one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will also see the Stadium as well as the Temple of Hera, which is the site's most intact structure. This is the oldest structure in the precinct, originally dedicated to Zeus as well as Hera, and gradually rebuilt from wood into stone. The walls were of mud-brick with a tiled roof. The games, which were the most prestigious athletic event in Greece, were held in conjunction with a festival to Olympian Zeus. Three heralds were sent to all the Greek states to announce their date and declare the universal truce, under which all hostilities were suspended for one week. The games were brought to an end in AD 393, under an edict of the Emperor Theodosius that banned all pagan festivals. The temples were destroyed in AD 426. Overnight in Olympia. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 17 Olympia - Delphi

We drive via Patras to Rion, crossing by car ferry to Antirion, arriving in Delphi in the early afternoon. On arrival we will have a guided tour of this spectacular site and its excellent museum. It was in Delphi that according to mythology Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they came to rest at the navel of the world. The historical origins of the sanctuary at Delphi are obscure, but according to legend the young god Apollo superseded an older female deity, Mother Earth, and killer her son, the serpent Python. In Homer the sanctuary is called Pytho, and oracles were given by the Pythia (priestess) between the Shining Rocks (Phaidriades) on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos long before the cult of Apollo Delphinios was established there from Crete. Later Dionysos, who took over the sanctuary in winter, and Athena, whose precinct lay on a lower terrace 1 km (2/3 mile) to the southeast, were also worshipped there. Overnight in Delphi. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 18 Delphi - Kalambaka - Monasteries of Meteora

Today we drive from Delphi to Kalambaka. Our route takes us through the central plains, a rich agricultural land often referred to as the "bread basket" of Greece. Later this afternoon we have a panoramic drive around the Monasteries of Meteora, built upon rocks that rise vertically from the plains below. These "Rocks of the Air" are visible for miles around and are crowned with old monasteries that cling to their summits. The afternoon light provides ideal conditions for photography. Making our roadside photo stops today allow us to spend more time on the sites tomorrow when we visit the monasteries. Overnight in Kalambaka. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 19 Kalambaka - Athens

This morning we visit several monasteries (usually 3 in total; periodic closures determine which ones we visit), including the Metamorphosis (Grand Meteora), built on the highest rock at 613 m (2,030 ft) above sea level. Its striking series of frescoes depict the persecution of Christians by the Romans. Later today we return by road to Athens, visiting Thermopylae, where the great historical battle between the Spartan King Leonidas, the ultimate soldier-king, and the huge army of Persians took place. We also make a brief stop at Marathon, where in 490 BC 10,000 Athenians defeated more than twice that number of Persian invaders. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 20 Departure

Departure from Athens. Breakfast. KALO TAXIDI!!

9/09 

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